DURHAM, N.C. – The 2014 edition of Duke Football – head coach David Cutcliffe’s seventh Blue Devil squad – officially reports for preseason camp on Sunday before taking to the practice field for the first time on Monday afternoon.

Coming off of last year’s success, which included the ACC’s Coastal Division title and a berth in the Chick-fil-A Bowl, the 2014 Blue Devils are challenged with the task of preparing for the season in a similar fashion.

“Nothing is ever given to you in football,” said redshirt senior linebacker Kelby Brown. “You have to earn everything. Last year we won 10 games because we prepared and played at a high level. Hopefully we can be even better this year – that’s the goal.”

Forty-two lettermen and 17 starters return for Cutcliffe and his staff, including four preseason All-ACC picks in Brown, safety Jeremy Cash, wide receiver Jamison Crowder and offensive guard Laken Tomlinson. Cutcliffe will rely on a group of 21 seniors to lead the way.

“The big challenge each year is for seniors to help young people handle adversity because you’re going to get it in football, and I thought our 2013 team handled adversity maybe better than any team I’ve ever been around because of pure leadership,” Cutcliffe said.

Duke opens the 2014 season at home against Elon on August 30 at 6 p.m. Season tickets are on sale at GoDuke.com or by calling 919-681-BLUE.